Forensic Assessment Division

The Forensic Assessment Division (FAD) provides BPH parole suitability hearing panels with Comprehensive Risk Assessments to assist in understanding a long-term inmate's potential for future violence and protective factors that could minimize his or her risk if released to the community. FAD psychologists use evidence-based risk assessment tools to present hearing panels with their structured professional judgment, or expert opinion concerning each inmate’s potential risk for future violence. FAD clinicians’ expert opinion include findings from a clinical interview of an inmate and a review of his or her institutional record. Comprehensive Risk Assessments may include but are not limited to, evaluation of the inmate's commitment offense, institutional programming, past and present mental state, and analysis of static and dynamic risk factors based on the inmate's behaviors and relationships, emotions and attitudes, and perceptions and attributions.